Each year on May 20, the world observes World Bee Day to celebrate the vital role of bees and other pollinators in supporting global food security and nutrition. This year’s theme—“Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all”—reminds us of how deeply our lives and livelihoods are connected to these tiny yet mighty creatures.
Why bees matter
Bees are incredible pollinators and key contributors to our ecosystem and economy. Of the world’s 115 leading food crops, 87 rely on animal pollination, especially by bees. Alongside honeybees, over 20,000 other bee species, butterflies, birds, bats, and even animals like monkeys and tree squirrels help in pollinating crops.
Pollination is not just about yields—it’s about nutrition. Bees help produce nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds that supply us with essential vitamins and minerals. Declining pollinator populations directly threaten the quality and quantity of these foods, and ultimately, our health.
The IPBES report estimates that the global economic value of pollination is between USD 235 to 577 billion annually. The OECD further notes that services such as pollination, water purification, and carbon sequestration have an estimated value of USD 125–140 trillion—even more than the global GDP in 2023. In Nepal, millions of smallholder farmers depend on pollinators for their crops and livelihoods.
Nepal’s unique advantage in beekeeping
Nepal is home to five of the world’s nine honeybee species, including native ones like Apis laboriosa (the cliff bee), A. dorsata (giant bee of the subtropics), A. florea (dwarf bee), and A. cerana (the hive bee). These bees support not only biodiversity but also thousands of farming households across the country.
Nepal produces a wide variety of honey, such as High-Altitude Himalayan Honey, Unifloral honeys (from plants like Chiuri and Rudilo), and Honeydew honeys from pine, spruce, and seabuckthorn. These niche products can fetch high prices internationally, but Nepal is not yet on the EU’s list of approved honey-exporting countries—a missed economic opportunity.
The beekeeping sector, despite the potential, is far behind in attracting young entrepreneurs from the income and employment generation point of view. The status and trend of honey production doesn’t seem very promising.
Indigenous bee populations are declining, and the growth of Apis mellifera (the European honeybee) has been limited. While local governments and development agencies have distributed modern hives, honey production and productivity remain low. Globally, honey demand is booming—the market is projected to reach USD 12.69 billion by 2029, up from USD 8.53 billion in 2022—but Nepal is lagging behind.
Moreover, pollinators’ population in general, and numbers of indigenous honeybee colonies in particular, are on decline, with alarming economic losses resulting from lost pollinators. A recent study estimates Nepal’s annual economic loss from insufficient pollination at USD 250 (US$83 – US$264) per person, primarily affecting high-value crops like fruits and vegetables.
A study conducted by Darwin pollination project indicated that the pollinators population decline could result in 30 percent decrease of Nepalese agricultural revenue, and 44 percent household income reduction. Decline in pollinators may result upto 23 percent and 21 percent decline in Vitamin A and folate intake, respectively.
Beyond honey: The untapped goldmine
Beekeeping is not just about honey. Products like beeswax, pollen, royal jelly, propolis, bee venom, and brood have enormous potential. These are used in cosmetics, health supplements, and traditional medicine. Scientific studies confirm honey’s antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, while also aiding in digestion, immunity, and wound healing.
Yet, most Nepali beekeepers focus soley on honey production. A lack of skills, technology, and awareness has limited diversification into other bee products. Even in honey production, value addition, branding, and product positioning remain weak. As a result, Nepal’s specialty honeys are under-recognised in international niche markets.
Harnessing opportunities to safeguard food and nature
Pollinators are in trouble. Pesticides, habitat loss, climate change, and disease are all contributing to their decline. Nepal needs a comprehensive approach—one that recognises the ecological and economic value of pollinators.
We must:
- Promote indigenous honeybee species and support biodiversity;
- Develop business models around diversified bee products;
- Strengthen supply chains, improve market access, and ensure quality control.
A major challenge is mistrust in honey quality. Some traders have adulterated Nepali honey with rice or corn syrup, damaging our image. Establishing traceability systems, residue monitoring, and clear guidelines is critical to rebuild consumer confidence and tap into export markets.
Supporting start-ups, youth entrepreneurs, and small businesses is equally important. With better branding, packaging, and marketing, we can boost demand for Nepali honey and other bee products both locally and globally—creating jobs and new income streams for rural communities.
On this World Bee Day, let us not only celebrate the bees’ role in pollination and biodiversity, but also acknowledge their untapped potential to drive economic resilience. If we foster innovation, build trust, and protect our pollinators, we can truly be inspired by nature—and ensure it continues to nourish us all.
